Wolfgang Helicopters - Arizona Helicopter Flight School

Robinson R-22 Beta II

Solo.....$210/hr

Dual Instruction.....$255/hr

* How is this training thing going to work?
* How do I take the proper steps?
* What materials will I need?
* What does the FAA require?
* How long will this take?
* How much does it cost?

            First of all Flight Training is a commitment. It is also expensive. Before you commit and/or invest your money in training, you need to find out if this is really what you want to do. The best way to do that is to come in for an introductory flight. During your intro flight you will spend about 2 hours with one of our instructors who will teach you some characteristics of the helicopter. Then the fun part! YOU will actually get to FLY the helicopter with the instructor! This is the ONLY way to find out if you can see yourself doing this in the future. We’re sure that you’ll love it!

            We offer Intro Flights at a discounted rate of $145 for the total 2 hour event.

            If this is the path for you then we will help you get set up for success. There are books and equipment that you will need to get started. Here are a few things to consider.

* Is this a career path or just a hobby?
* Do you have specific goals in mind?

If this is a career path for you, we would suggest our Professional Pilot Program. This program takes you through everything you see listed here. If you have specific goals, our experienced staff can focus you toward those goals!

Here is where you begin.

Equipment and Books
            Headset - $300 - $1000
            Logbook - $15 - $100
            Books and materials - $250 - $500

            -Please speak to an instructor pilot to find out what is best for your personal training!

Student Pilot Certificate – This is a must have prior to your first solo helicopter flight. We suggest getting this as soon as possible. You can get your Medical and Student Pilot Certificate from an aeromedical doctor when you get your first flight physical. The sooner the better because you don’t want to invest in training if you aren’t able to obtain a clear medical certificate. With the medical and Student Pilot Certificate you can complete the first leg of training, you Private Pilot Certificate.

Private Certificate – This is the basic rating for people who want to fly as a hobby. Your Private certificate allows you to carry passengers and enjoy the privileges and freedom of flight. The Private certificate also is the first certificate you need to during your Professional Pilot Course.

FAA Requirements
40 hours of total flight time

20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor

3 hours of cross-country flight training in a helicopter
3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter that includes
- One cross-country flight of over 50 nautical miles, and
- 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop

3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a helicopter,
10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, consisting of at least
- 3 hours cross-country time;
- One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight being a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
- Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

FAA regulations state that a minimum of 40 hours of flight training is required for your private certificate, as well as a passing grade on a written examination. Due to the volume of knowledge and the level of skill required, very few students are ready to take the test at the minimum requirements. A more realistic estimate is 50 hours.

Instrument Rating – The Instrument Rating enables the pilot to fly in poor weather conditions. This is done by reference to aircraft instrumentation and navigational aids. This is a rating on you certificate that most employers are looking for.

FAA Requirements
50 hours of total flight time

50 hours of cross-country flight as Pilot In Command (PIC)
40 hours of simulated instrument flight training
- One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles along airways or ATC directed routing
  - Must include 3 Instrument approaches
  - Must include Instrument approaches at each airport
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a helicopter

FAA regulations state that a minimum of 50 hours Pilot in Command flight time and 40 hours of simulated instrument conditions are required for your Instrument Rating, as well as a passing grade on a written examination. Due to the volume of knowledge and the level of skill required, few students are ready to take the test at the minimum 40 hours simulated instrument time requirement. A more realistic estimate is 45 hours.
Commercial Certificate – The Commercial Certificate is the one you will need to earn money and fly as a profession. This is the certificate that employers will require because it enables you to work in a commercial setting. However, employers generally require pilots with more advanced ratings in addition to the Commercial Certificate.

FAA Requirements
150 hours of total flight time

100 hours in powered aircraft
- 50 of which must be in helicopters
100 hours of flight as Pilot In Command which includes,
- 35 hours must be in helicopters
- 10 hours must be cross-country flight in helicopters
20 hours dual flight instruction which must include,
- 10 hours of instrument training
- 1 – 2 hour day VFR cross-country greater than 50 nautical miles
- 1 – 2 hour night VFR cross-country greater than 50 nautical miles
- 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a helicopter
10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, consisting of at least
- 5 hours of night VFR flight which includes,
  - 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop
- 1 cross-country flight with landing at a minimum of 3 points, one segment greater than 50 nautical miles

FAA regulations state that a minimum of 150 hours of flight is required for your Commercial certificate, as well as a passing grade on a written examination. Due to the volume of time to complete the tasks, most students are ready to take the test at the minimum requirements.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – The CFI certificate enables the pilot to teach Private, Commercial and CFI students in the helicopter and on the ground. It is likely that your first flight job will be as a flight instructor, which is why we include this training in our Professional Pilot Program.

FAA Requirements

Demonstrates instructional knowledge in all areas of VFR flight
There is no set number of flight hours required

Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII) – The CFII rating enables the pilot to teach Instrument, and CFII students both in the helicopter and on the ground. While not strictly necessary for future employment, the rating adds depth to your skills and improves both your resume and attractiveness to potential employers. This course also is part of our Professional Pilot Program.

FAA Requirements

Demonstrates instructional knowledge in all areas of IFR flight

There is no set hours of flight required

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